Though the sun was hot and the water was warm, Vanesa Villa begged her Big Sister Cortney Kingston, “Don’t let me fall in!” Despite her uncertainty, Villa went from sitting on Kingston’s board to standing and paddling on her own board within minutes.

Approximately 20 Bigs and Littles from Hood River, Wasco, and Klickitat counties participated in the clinic, where they learned the basics of stand-up paddling.

By the end of the class, Big Winds volunteers looked on as participants put their skills to the test in a head-to-head relay race.

Big Brothers Big Sisters, a program of The Next Door, provides children between the ages of 6 and 14 with one-to-one mentoring relationships with adult volunteers.

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To become a volunteer mentor or to refer a child, contact Justine Ziegler at 541-490-9979 or email: